Over time, the rubber knobs on fishing reels (particularly Shimano models) to become sticky. How can this be fixed? Is there something I could coat them with? Guys, what do you recommend?

Coat? No. Keep them clean. Depending what has accumulated you might need goo gone or rubbing alcohol. Windex is a good basic cleaner for them to keep them clean. Are you a smoker? My parents are and any fishing gear that my dad sends my way typically has a ‘patina’ to it that takes a couple goes to get off.

When it happens, its over, you have to replace. I don't know if its happening with newer rubber shimano is using, but i do know that it always happened with their older one from the 2000s and the 2010s. Same thing with Oakely sunglasses.

I don't know if you can remove the rubber with a knife and still have a decent handle on bass reels, but all of my Shimano big game reels, I have had to remove the rubber. They have worked fine with just the white plastic after the sticky rubber is removed. I have no clue as to why Shimano hasn't addressed the problem, but I have 15 or so reels of many different year models that all ended up with sticky handles. The older Shimano 30 and 50 wide reels I have didn't have any rubber to start with, but every reel made after the year 2000 have had sticky handles.

How do you guys care for your reels? I have close to 30 Shimano reels both spinning and casting. I have never encountered what you are reporting.

Simple for me - I swap all factory rubber knobs (or tune gear ratio with full handles) - I have no use for I-shaped rubber knobs - yes, they deteriorate, and they're outrageously heavy (all the handles and knobs below are lighter than stock handles and I-shaped rubber).

I've had some knob bearings lock up in the salt, and I replace the offending bearings with zirconia.

I like the older style knobs. Like the knobs with the Shimano plate and the knobs that were stock on the 17 Tatula SV.

Not a fan of the AL and other metal knobs that are becoming more popular. Its heavy and cold in the winter. I like the feel of quality EVA, but they have to be cleaned regularly. Cork is my favorite knob material. I should have bought a few more from Geomexus before they stopped making them.

Theres a use for shorter handle lengths, especially with spinning gear. It keeps the weight centered and I feel like they have more sensitivity.

Some of my LT handles are kind of tacky after 8 years of heavy use, but it doesn't bother me.

Try cleaning them with a just a drop of Dawn soap to get oils off.